I was talking to some friends about the impending launch of Windows 8, what it means for the tablet ecosystem and other assorted technophile topics when the topic of Metro came up.

The collective gasp that the topic evoked was.. funny. Some people tend to absolutely adore it while others tend to despise the very name.

Personally, I’m quite ambivalent about the concept as I feel it tends to work incredibly well on phones and tablets while feeling a bit clunky on desktops. That being said, I’ve haven’t used a Metro-enabled desktop for more than a few days so maybe it’s something that you grow into.

Either way, Metro has been Microsoft’s biggest risk so far. It’ll either usher in a new era for the company or sink it to unforeseen depths. I’m sure a lot of you are waiting to see the outcome of this paradigm shift.

This week, I want to know how you feel about Metro. I’d love to know! So vote away and as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts – simply post a comment below!

As the launch of Windows 8 draws closer, Microsoft isn’t holding back its punches when it comes to increasing brand awareness and mind share. Last week, it took a mighty big step towards that direction by Metro-fying its logo!

Personally, I like the way the logo has turned out though. Yes, it’s the same old colors but the presentation feels modern and fresh. Coupled with the typography, I feel the entire logo feels very Metro and contemporary.

This week, I want to know how you feel about the new logo. I’d love to know!

With Windows 8, Microsoft has joined Apple in using application ‘marketplaces’ as a major location for users to obtain their app fix. Of course, this is just desktop following mobile trends as the App Store and Google Play easily predate the Windows 8 store.

Personally, I’m quite ambivalent about this recent trend. As much as I’m for usability and accessibility, users being allowed to only obtain software from said marketplaces isn’t too far away. Then again, Android devices use an app store as well as allow sideloaded applications so I may be wrong just set.

This week, I want your unadulterated views on the current app store situation. Are you for it and love the ease of use? Hate it because of the control it takes away? I’d love to know!

Ahh. Multi monitors. You either get them or you don’t. I confess I didn’t get them till I actually got to use them in a real world scenario. Your IDE on one monitor and the browser or debugger on the other? Or research material on one monitor and an empty WordPress post page on the other? Pure bliss!

This week I’d like to know how many monitors you have on your desk, both at work and at home. Has a multi-display setup improved your efficiency? Laptop users, do you dock your laptop with an external display? I’d love to hear from you!

I’m guessing all of us have been through at least one fundamental paradigm shift in computing. Personally, I’ve seen the rise of cloud computing and web software as well as the sheer proliferation of consoles and mobile hardware. I guess you could include tablets in the mobile hardware space too.

Tablets have been a bit of a revelation for me. Unless I’m actually creating something, tablets have become incredibly competitive in taking care of my email, reading and media needs. If your creative task includes writing, I’m guessing most of us can replace a desktop with a tablet as well. Needless to say, I’m now a fan and am cautiously optimistic of the entire tablet world and their lock-in ecosystems.

This week I’d like to know whether you dig the tablet form factor. Some people swear by it whilst others absolutely hate the restrictions that the hardware implicitly create. What do you think? I’d love to hear from you!

A new version of Windows on the horizon means that a lot of us are scrambling to put together a plan to get our rigs on the latest and greatest OS as quickly as possible. An easier task said than done!

With Microsoft rumored to drop the retail version for Windows 8, I can’t help but recount my license choices in the past. I’m an OEM man myself, preferring to put together my own rigs and OEM almost always seemed to be the right choice.

This week I’d like to know which type of license you’re rocking. I’d love to hear from you!

DLC is always a hot topic in the gaming industry, regardless of whether it’s about the hardcore or the casual crowd. DLC, downloadable content, is basically additional content for a game that you download after purchasing the game itself. This maybe an armor for your horse or a fresh new set of missions or maps.

As almost everything in the gaming industry, it’s quite polarizing. Some people, like me, simply can’t be bothered while others tend to get really, and understandably, aggravated by it. With the rising costs of a modern game and the volatility of the gaming masses, I can’t really blame the developers for trying to monetize their more popular franchises.

This week I’d like to know your overall gut feeling when it comes to DLC. Love it? Hate it? Or can’t you even be bothered? I’d love to hear from you!

Last week was one of Microsoft’s biggest in recent years with the announcement of Microsoft Surface, more information about Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 as well as a ton more. The topic that stole the show was definitely Surface, Microsoft’s own first party tablet device.

As a lot of people have been harping on for a while now, Microsoft tends to do great when it handles both the software and hardware component of a device, like Apple. Case in point, the Xbox and the Zune, to a smaller extent.

This week I’d like to know your overall gut feeling when it comes to Surface. Are you in love? Hate it? Or can’t you even be bothered? I’d love to hear from you!

Press events are always exciting times for geeks. Lots of announcements, promise of new technology and shiny new products are always welcome! Just look at WWDC last week. I’m pretty agnostic when it comes to platforms and even I sat up watching the live stream.

This week it’s Microsoft’s turn to take the spotlight as they’re scheduled to host two massive events this week with the closest one, you guessed right, tomorrow.

Speculation is rampant as to what exactly is going to be shown over the course of this week. Personally, I’m hoping to see Microsoft’s mythical in house tablet. With the 360 demonstrating what they can do when they create end to end solutions, ala Apple, I can’t wait for them to give Apple a run for their money.

This week I’d like to know your guesses as well! Will it be Windows 8? Win RT? The next gen Windows Phone platform? The Xbox 720?

E3 — it’s a magical place in a magical time. It’s where companies like to show of their shiny games and hardware. And people like me attend in droves to check out what’s on show.

As easy as it is to follow what’s going on over there , it’s not always easy to attend the show itself. Geographical limitations is just one facet — there are always the issue of getting invited or getting tickets, work deadlines or personal factors. Myself, I’m not able to make it this year.

My question is: are you? Which booth will you be hogging, much to the others’ chagrin? Which keynote are you looking forward to the most?